Tooth loss is certainly not an issue you should ignore if it happens to you. We know that you thought your smile would last forever but you can still have a beautiful smile after tooth loss and our Bethesda, MD, dentists Dr. Michael Wright, Dr. Treva Willis and Dr. Maria Wright can make sure that you get a healthy smile back with a little help from dental implants.

Why choose dental implants?

We get this question a lot, but there is a reason so many people are turning to dental implants to replace their missing teeth. Implants are the closest you can get to a real tooth. While maintaining your natural teeth is the ideal, when this is no longer possible then dental implants can be the second best option. After all, no other restoration functions as closely to real teeth than this long-term tooth replacement.

When you first look at an implant it seems hard to believe that this small metal restoration can really take the place of your missing tooth or teeth, but it can. In fact, no other tooth replacement will be able to provide such a solid, resilient foundation from which to support false teeth.

How are dental implants placed?

First, the implant must be placed into the jawbone. For this to be possible, our Bethesda, MD, cosmetic dentist will need to make a small hole in the jawbone where the implant will be placed. This procedure might sound rather involved, but it’s simple, can be performed right here in our office as an outpatient procedure, and it will all be done under local anesthesia so you won’t feel a thing.

Once the implant is placed it will take the mouth several months to fully heal from the procedure. While the healing process happens, the jawbone will grow around the implant, making it a permanent structure. With implants, you will never have to worry about them moving or shifting around in your mouth, unlike dentures.

When the implant and the jawbone are fully integrated it’s now time to place an abutment over the implant. An abutment is like a tooth that’s been prepped for a crown. Its sole purpose is to connect the implant, which is under the gums, with an artificial tooth (the part of the implant that’s visible). In some situations, the implant will already have an abutment attached, in which case all we will have to do is secure the dental crown over top.

However, if you are dealing with multiple missing teeth or even a full row of missing teeth dental implants can still support and hold your dental bridge or a full set of dentures firmly in place.

If you are ready to take the next steps to getting your smile back then it’s time you called the Smile Design Studio in Bethesda, MD, to schedule your consultation. Turn to the experts who will know how to get you the smile you want.